light TESLA MODEL S 2018   Owner's Guide

Cleaning the ExteriorTo prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,
industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until
Model S is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove
tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then
immediately wash the area with water and a
mild, non-detergent soap to remove the
alcohol.
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model S:
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing,
flush grime and grit from
the bodywork using a hose. Flush away
accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel
arches and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during
winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of thevehicle.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a clean soft
cloth and cold or lukewarm water
containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly
with a chamois.
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape,
or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.
Cautions for Exterior CleaningCaution: Do not use windshield treatmentfluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper
friction and cause a chattering sound.Caution: Do not use hot water or
detergents.Caution: Do not wash in direct sunlight.Caution: If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 30 cm
between the nozzle and the surface of
Model S. Keep the nozzle moving and do
not concentrate the water jet on any one
area.Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly
at window, door or hood seals, or through
wheel apertures onto brake components.Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or
rough cloths, such as washing mitts.Caution: If washing in an automatic car
wash, use Touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes,
etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model S.
Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.Caution: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model S to avoid the risk of
damaging the wipers.Caution: Do not use chemical based
wheel cleaners. These can damage the
finish on the wheels.
Caution: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the camera(s) or
parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
or damage its surface.Warning: Never spray liquid at a high
velocity (for example, if using a pressure
washer) towards the charge port while
Model S is charging. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning
154Model S Owner

Cleaning the Interior
Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its appearance and to prevent
premature wear. If possible, immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For general
cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft
cloth (such as
microfiber) dampened with a
mixture of warm water and mild non-
detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a
concealed area before use). To avoid streaks,
dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. This can
damage the reflective surface of the mirror
and the heating elements in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag
cover. This could
affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the
dashboard. Polished surfaces are
reflectiveand could interfere with your driving view.
Leather Seats
Leather is prone to dye-transfer which can
cause discoloration, particularly on light colored leather. White and tan leather iscoated with an anti-soiling treatment. Wipespills as soon as possible using a soft cloth
moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Using detergents or commercially
available leather cleaners and conditioners is
not recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
Polyurethane Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft
cloth moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. After cleaning, allow the seats to air
dry.
Cloth Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft
cloth moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Vacuum the seats as needed to remove
any loose dirt.
Carpets
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled
areas, use a diluted upholstery cleaner.
Seat Belts
Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type
of detergent or chemical cleaning agent.
Allow the belts to dry naturally while
extended, preferably away from direct
sunlight.
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
Vacuum the seats to remove any loose dirt. Wipe the seats with a soft cloth dampened
with warm water. You can also use an upholstery cleaner designed for automotive
use. Extend the belts to wipe. Allow the belts
to dry naturally, preferably away from direct
sunlight.
Touchscreen and Instrument Panel
Clean the touchscreen and instrument panel
using a soft lint-free cloth
specificallydesigned to clean monitors and displays. Do not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) and
do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically- charged cloth (such as a recently washed
microfiber). To wipe the touchscreen without
activating buttons and changing settings, you
can enable clean mode. Touch Controls >
Displays > Clean Mode . The display darkens to
make it easy to see dust and smudges.
Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners or hard cloths can
damage the
finish on chrome and metal
surfaces.
Cautions for Interior Cleaning
Caution: Using solvents (including
alcohol), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based products or additives on
interior components can cause damage.Caution: Statically-charged materials can
cause damage to the touchscreen or
instrument panel.Warning: If you notice any damage on an
airbag or seat belt, contact Tesla
immediately.Warning: Do not allow any water,
cleaners, or fabric to enter a seat belt
mechanism.Warning: Exposure to chemical cleaners
can be hazardous and can irritate eyes
Cleaning
Maintenance155

Checking Brake FluidWarning: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice increased movement of the brake pedal or a
significant loss of brakefluid. Driving under these conditions can
result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.
The Brake indicator on the
instrument panel alerts you if the
quantity of
fluid in the brake
reservoir drops below the
recommended level. If it displays
while driving, stop as soon as safety
permits by gently applying the
brakes. Do not continue driving.
Contact Tesla immediately.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the brake
fluid level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To
check it yourself, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 159).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir
without removing the
filler cap.
The brake
fluid level should always be
between the MIN and the MAX marks.
Note: Although brake
fluid level drops slightly
during normal use as a result of brake pad
wear, it should not drop below the MIN mark.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake
fluid. Tesla service
does this when you bring Model S in for
regular servicing. The following instructions
are provided for information purposes and future reference only:
1. Clean the filler cap before removing it to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Unscrew the cap and remove it.
3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark
using the appropriate brake
fluid.4. Replace the filler cap, ensuring it is fully
secured.
Warning: Only use new fluid from a
sealed air-tight container. Never use
previously used
fluid or fluid from a
previously opened container

When Transporting Model SAlways transport Model S with all four tires
offthe ground. A flatbed truck or comparable
transport vehicle is recommended. A wheel lift
and dolly can be used only when transporting
Model S for a maximum of 15 miles (25 km), provided the driving speed does not exceed45 mph (70 km/h). When transporting,
whether on a
flatbed truck or using a wheel
lift and dolly, Model S can face either direction.
Do not transport Model S using any other method unless
specified by Tesla. Follow the
steps provided and observe all warnings and
cautions. Damage caused by transporting your
vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
Note: The following illustrations are for
demonstration purposes only.
Warning: Model S is equipped with high
voltage components (see High Voltage
Components on page 138). Before
transporting Model S as a result of an
event (such as a collision) that may have
compromised a high voltage component, it is important to assume that these
components are energized. Always follow
high voltage safety precautions (wearing
personal protective equipment, etc.) until
emergency response professionals have
evaluated the vehicle and can accurately
confirm that all high voltage systems are
no longer energized. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury or death.
Disable Self-Leveling (air
suspension vehicles only)
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air
Suspension, it automatically self-levels, even
when power is
off. To prevent damage, you
must activate Jack mode to disable self- leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the
touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very
High to maximize height.
3. Touch Jack.
Note:
Jack mode cancels when Model S is
driven over 4 mph (7 km/h).Warning: Failure to activate Jack mode
on a Model S equipped with Smart Air
Suspension can result in the vehicle
becoming loose during transport, which
may cause
significant damage.
Activate Tow Mode
Model S may automatically shift into Park
when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle,
even if it has previously been shifted into
Neutral. To keep Model S in Neutral (which
disengages the parking brake), you must use
the touchscreen to activate Tow mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Chock the tires or otherwise ensure
Model S is stable.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, then on
the touchscreen touch Controls >
Settings > Service & Reset > Tow Mode >
ON .
When Tow mode is active, Model S
displays this indicator light on the
instrument panel, along with a
message telling you that Model S is
free-rolling.
To cancel Tow Mode, shift Model S into Park.
Caution: If the electrical system is not
working, and you therefore cannot release
the electric parking brake, attempt to
jump start the 12V battery. For
instructions, call Tesla Roadside
Assistance. If a situation occurs where
you cannot disengage the parking brake,
use a self-loading dolly or tire skates.
Before doing so, always check the
manufacturer

Document ApplicabilityOwner information is updated regularly to
reflect updates to your vehicle. However, in
some cases, recently released features may
not be described. To display information about recently released features, view the Release
Notes on the touchscreen. Release Notes are
displayed on the touchscreen after a software
update, and can be displayed at any time by
touching the Tesla "T" at the top of the
touchscreen, then touching the Release Notes
link. If information related to how to use the
touchscreen
conflicts with information in the
Release Notes, the Release Notes take
precedence.
Illustrations
Illustrations are provided for demonstration
purposes only. Depending on vehicle options, software version, region of purchase, and
specific settings, your vehicle may appear
slightly different. Although the owner
information is applicable to both right-hand
drive and left-hand drive vehicles, many
illustrations show only left-hand drive vehicles.
However, the essential information that the illustrations are providing is correct.
Errors or Inaccuracies All
specifications and descriptions are known
to be accurate at time of publishing. However,
because continuous improvement is a goal at Tesla, we reserve the right to make product
modifications at any time. To communicate
any inaccuracies or omissions, or to provide
general feedback or suggestions regarding the quality of this owner information, send anemail to [email protected] .
Location of Components Owner information may specify the location of
a component as being on the left or right side
of the vehicle. As shown, left (1) and right (2) represent the side of the vehicle when sittinginside.
Copyrights and Trademarks
All information in this document and all
vehicle software is subject to copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Tesla, Inc.
and its licensors. This material may not be
modified, reproduced or copied, in whole or in
part, without the prior written permission of Tesla, Inc. and its licensors. Additional
information is available upon request. Tesla uses software created by the Open Source
community. Please visit Tesla

AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 60
absolute speed limit 97
Acceleration (dual-motor) 104
Acceleration settings 67
access panel, removing 159accessoriesplugging into power socket 122
adaptive headlights 56
air circulation 112
air conditioning 111
air distribution 112
air
filter 115
air suspension 118
air vents 115
airbag, front passenger, disabling 37
airbags 35
alarm 132
all-season tires 151
always connected, setting 70
anti-lock braking (ABS) 60
audioplaying files 119
steering wheel buttons 41
volume control 119
Auto High Beam 56
Auto Lane Change 85
auto-raising suspension 117
automatic emergency braking 94
Autopark 87
Autopilot components 73
Autosteer 82
average range 70
B backup camera 72
battery (12V)complete discharge 140specifications 170Battery (high voltage)care of 140
coolant 159
specifications 170
temperature limits 140
battery (key), replacing 5
blind spot warning 91
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 122
general information 124
phone, pairing and using 124
body repairs 163
body touch up 156
brake
fluid replacement 147
brakesautomatic in emergencies 94fluid level 160brakes (continued)overview of 60specifications 170
brightness of displays 107
C
Cabin Overheat Protection setting 107
cabin temperature control 111
Calendar app 131
camera (rear view) 72
cameras (autopilot) 73
car cover 156
car status, displaying 41, 42
car washes 154
cargo area 11
cargo volume 168
carpets, cleaning 155
CE
certifications 185
CHAdeMO 139
chains 151
change of ownership 110
charge port 142
charge port light 143
chargingcharge settings 144
components and equipment 138
instructions 142
public charging stations 139
scheduling 144
status of 145
charging locations, finding 127
child protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9child seatscleaning 155
disabling front passenger airbag 37
installing and using 24
Tesla built-in rear facing 31
Chill acceleration 67
cleaning 154
climate controls 111
Climate Timer 114
Cold Weather controls 104
collision avoidance assist 93
console12V power socket 122
cup holders 17
USB ports 122
consumption chart 70
contact informationroadside assistance 177coolantBattery, checking level of 159
Battery, replacement interval 147
copyrights 182
Creep 104
Index
188Model S Owner

cruise control 76
cup holders 17
D
DAB radio 120
dashboard overview 2
data recording 183
data sharing 183
day mode 107
declarations of conformity 185
delivery mileage 183devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 122
connecting 122
playing audio
files from 122
dimensions 167
display brightness 107
dome (map) lights 53
door handles 6
door labels 165
Door Unlock Mode 6
doors 4
doors, opening 4
Drive gear 46
drive-away locking 7
driverprofiles 39
seat adjustment 18driver assistanceAuto Lane Change 85
automatic emergency braking 93
Autopark 87
Autosteer 82
blind spot warning 91
collision avoidance assist 93
forward collision warning 93
overtake acceleration 76
overview 73
settings for 107
side collision warning 91
speed assist 97
speed limit warning 97
staying inside lane markings 91
staying within speed limits 97
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 76
drivingseating position 18
starting 45
tips to maximize range 70
E
Easter Eggs 181
easy entry, driver
profile 39
EDR (event data recorder) 183
electric parking brake 61
emergency braking
93
emergency flashers 57
emergency rear door opening 8energygained from regenerative braking 60
range information 47
energy & charging setting 107
Energy app 70
energy saving mode 70
Erase & Reset 110
event data recording 183
exteriorcar cover 156
cleaning 154
dimensions 167
lights 53
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 156
F
factory defaults, restoring 110
factory reset 110
fan speed, interior 112
favorite destinations 129
Favorites 126
Favorites (Media Player) 121
FCC
certifications 185
features, downloading new 136
ferries, avoiding 128
firmware (software) updates 136flash drives, playing audio files from 122flashers, warning 57floor mats 156
fluidsreplacement intervals 147
reservoirs, checking 159
fog lights 53
forward collision warning 93
front passenger detection 37
front trunk 13
G
garage doors, opening 133
gates, opening 133
GAWR 165
gears 46
glove box 15
Gross Axle Weight Rating 165
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 165
ground clearance 167
GVWR 165
Index
Index189

H
hazard warning
flashers 57
head restraints 19
head supports 19
headlightsadaptive 56
after exit 56
high beams 56
heated wipers 58
heating 111
height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 117
automatic and manual settings 118
disabling (Jack mode) 118
high beam headlights 56
high voltageBattery specifications 170
components 138
safety 147
hills, stopping on 66
hitches 166
Home location 129
HomeLinkFCC certification 186
programming and using 133
hood 13
horn 43
I
IC
certifications 185identification labels 164
Insane acceleration (performance dual motor) 67
Insane setting (dual-motor) 104
instant range 70
instrument panelcharging status 145
cleaning 155
overview of 47interiorcleaning 155
dimensions 167
lights 53
overview 2
temperature control 111
Internet radio 121
intrusion detection 132
ISOFIX child seats, installing 27
J
J1772 139
Jack mode 118
jacking 162
KkeyFCC and IC certifications 185
how to use 4
key not inside 45
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry 4
L
labelStatutory Plate 165
Tire and Loading Information 165
lane assist 91
lane change flash 57
lane change, automatic 85
lane departure warning 91
Language & Units 107
language setting 107
Launch Mode (performance dual motor) 67
liftgateadjust opening height 10
opening 10
lifting 162
lightsadaptive headlights 56
hazard warning 57
headlights after exit 56
turn signals 56
load limits 165
location-based suspension 117
locking and unlocking doors 4
Ludicrous acceleration (performance dual
motor) 67
Ludicrous setting (dual-motor) 104
lumbar support 18
M
maintenancebrake fluid, checking 160
cleaning 154
daily and monthly checks 147
fluid replacement intervals 147
panel, removing 159
replacing wiper blades 157
service intervals 147
tires 148
washer
fluid, topping up 161
washer jets, cleaning 157
map updates 130
maps 126
mats 156
Max Battery Power 104
Index
190Model S Owner